Edmonton Oil Kings forward Dylan Guenther named WHL rookie of the year

CALGARY – Edmonton Oil Kings forward Dylan Guenther has been named the Western Hockey League’s rookie of the year.

Guenther, the first-overall selection at the 2018 WHL bantam draft, had 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) in 58 games, including eight power-play goals and three game-winning goals.

The 17-year-old led Edmonton in goals, ranked fourth in assists, and was third overall in scoring to help the Oil Kings lead the Central Division before the season was ended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guenther ranked third among WHL rookies in goals, tied for second in assists, and was second in overall scoring. Guenther was one of four WHL rookies to produce at better than a point-per-game pace throughout the regular season.

Guenther, and Edmonton native, is the first player from the Oil Kings to win the award.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2020.